The Controversial Pancho Villa Statue in Tucson, Arizona

A group of Latino artists celebrated the rejection of a request to remove a monument to the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa (1878-1923) in Arizona.

A statue of Pancho Villa stands in Veinte de Agosto Park, located between West Broadway and West Congress Street, just west of Church Avenue. Erected in June 1981, the statue was created by sculptor Julian Martinez and foundryman Javier Portilla. It was a gift to Arizona from the Agrupación Nacional Periodista, a Mexican press organization, and the Mexican government.

Over the years, the statue has been a source of controversy and legal challenges. An attempt to remove it in 1983 failed when the courts dismissed the case. Another attempt in 1987 also failed. And the most recent one, which also failed, was in 2018.

Why is the Pancho Villa Statue Controversial?

The statue’s unveiling was controversial, with some Tucson politicians boycotting the ceremony. Since then, numerous attempts have been made to remove the statue. Critics have expressed concerns similar to those recently raised about the removal of statues and monuments of Confederate generals and politicians, as well as explorers like Christopher Columbus.

American critics argue that Pancho Villa was no friend of the United States, citing his attacks on Americans during the Revolution, and therefore consider him a murderer. On the other hand, Mexican scholars and some Latino artists argue that these actions stem from ignorance and racism. They believe the opponents lack historical understanding, viewing Pancho Villa as a bandit rather than a great revolutionary.

Luis Mena, one of Tucson’s most renowned muralists and sculptors, responded to these requests by saying, “The people calling for the statue’s removal cannot erase a culture that has been here for years.”

Pacho Villa’s statue stays in Tucson

The Tucson-Pima Arts Council debated and made a recommendation on whether the statue should remain or be removed. However, the final decision rested with the Tucson City Council, which decided to keep the statue, as the latest request in 2018 did not meet any of the ten criteria for removing public art, such as a request from the artist or damage to the work.

If further petitions to remove this monument succeed, the Pancho Villa statue would be relocated from Tucson to Agua Prieta, where a perfect spot is ready to welcome it.